Single Idea 6210

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 2. Happiness / c. Value of happiness]

Full Idea

For an utmost end, in which the ancient philosophers have placed felicity, there is no such thing in this world, nor way to it: for while we live, we have desires, and desire presupposeth a further end.

Clarification

'Felicity' is happiness

Gist of Idea

Life has no end (not even happiness), because we have desires, which presuppose a further end

Source

Thomas Hobbes (Human Nature [1640], Ch.VII.6)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.5


A Reaction

Kant's definition of happiness (Idea 1452) seems to be the underlying idea, and hence with the same implication (of impossibility). However, an alcoholic locked in a brewery would seem to have all that Hobbes requires for happiness.

Related Idea

Idea 1452 Happiness is the condition of a rational being for whom everything goes as they wish [Kant]